In the ingredient descriptions: Good means that I like to see this in a product's list of ingredients. Okay means this product appears safe for a curly person like me to use. Caution means that this ingredient may not be good in some hair care products, or for some people. Avoid means this ingredient may hurt your hair. If you see this ingredient in a hair product, it's best to put it down and walk away.

Baking soda(aka Sodium bicarbonate)Avoid
Baking soda is often used as a clarifier, because it's natural. However, for the sake of your hair, never use baking soda. It's highly destructive to your hair. It's basically salt, and salt is highly corrosive (if you've ever seen what it does to the metal of cars in places where they use salt to melt the snow, you can get some idea. And if you've ever eaten something really salty, it often makes your lips sore).
See also:Sodium bicarbonate